‘Promoting Inclusive Governance Through Civic Engagement’ is a concept by Public Private Development Centre (PPCD) – an NGO committed to improving public service effectiveness through procurement governance initiatives. The overarching objective of this project is to increase agency for rights holders in the governance and accountability landscape through the creation of opportunities for ensuring that public voices are effectively represented in the development of policy or policy reforms -, especially as they relate to the judicious use of public resources. Through this project, PPDC aims to stimulate public discourse by supporting right-holders with the platforms and tools needed to capture the public space and improve access to public infrastructure. We will work to build on existing social and value systems that can serve as catalysts for action, trust and a sense of ownership to make rightsholders difficult to ignore in governance processes.

Using an existing civic tech tool, PPDC will work to demystify public finance processes for various rights-holder groups, doing this by simplifying procurement data into visuals, creative storytelling through the arts (e.g. films and comic strips), using indigenous languages. This project will target the marginalized, the youth, and the girl-child, by tapping into PPDC’s established networks within the mainstream media, investigative journalists, community-based organizations, and traditional institutions, to amplify their voices and inform policy choices. We anticipate this project to birth a new society where citizens realize their full potentials to drive desired change by improving procurement and election governance; enhancing the transparency of programs that impact their lives. This project will shape society by enabling policies to be context reflective, spark action from duty bearers and birth a society where a life of dignity can be attained by all irrespective of their sexual orientation and affiliations. We seek a society where the rule of law is upheld and citizens freely exercise their civic duty without fear of victimization
Solution

A citizen-led approach to create a ”safe haven” for rightsholder groups by partnering with faith-based and traditional institutions, revered persons in the society, medical, psycho-social professionals, celebrities, and organizations with expertise around these issues to build trust and deliver expert services. Their partnership with policy-makers to influence policy/ reviews, strengthen the justice system to protect victims, and dispensation of justice without prejudice/bias.
Using their civic tech to strengthen the capacity of right-holder led CSOs at (Enugu and the FCT) through in-depth training, advocacy toolkits, resources, and tools to effectively engage, drive, analyze, monitor, and deepen the conversation with policymakers, governments, and groups on public finance management. This will entail advocacy, analysis of laws/policies, monitoring compliance, procurement process audit, budget/contract monitoring, incentivising compliance.

Facilitate conversations through pairing/ cluster approach of (formal and informal sector) women on elections matters, gender procurement; support interested women to help shape leadership; leveraging the success of their DISI program and partnership with NERDC to influence the integration of Nigerian cultural practices, good ethical conduct, and heritage into the school curriculum.

The Public Private Development Centre’s (PPCD) vision for the project was to empower citizens by amplifying their voices in governance, particularly in the use of public resources at grassroots levels. Recognizing the need for right-holders, everyday citizens who often feel sidelined in policy decisions, we aimed to build their capacity and empower them with the knowledge and skills to ensure their active participation in policy development and reform. Our goal was to transform citizens from passive observers into active participants who hold leaders accountable, ultimately driving meaningful change towards a more just and equitable society. 

To kick off our VOICE initiative, we took a step: getting a clear picture by conducting a landscape analysis and streamlining the key stakeholders. Our journey began with a mapping exercise involving communities and key individuals in the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We understood that for our efforts to have an impact, it was crucial to involve those directly impacted by the issues. The rightsholders. And ensure their voices were central to our work. 

We carefully selected one community from each area council, focusing on locations that reflected the population of the FCT. These communities included Karon Majigi in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Yimi in Gwagwalada, Buzunkure in Kuje, Ijakpada in Kwali, Abaji Town in Abaji and Apiawoyi in Bwari. In these areas, we identified stakeholders such as community leaders, women leaders, youth organizations and representatives for individuals, with disabilities. Their active involvement was crucial, as they possessed the influence and credibility required to propel our project goals.  

Once we had this foundational understanding, we moved on to validating our findings. We organized town hall meetings that brought together representatives from all six communities. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was an opportunity for these communities to come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another. The goal was to ensure that our project resonated with their lived experiences and identify their most pressing challenges. 

The town hall served as a platform for action. We invited key government stakeholders, including representatives from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), the Primary Healthcare Development Board, and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This was a strategic move to ensure that the concerns raised by the community members were heard directly by those with the power to effect change. 

During the meeting, the community representatives didn’t hold back. They articulated their grievances clearly and powerfully, from issues with basic education and healthcare to the challenges of accessing electricity. The presence of the government representative made a huge difference and allowed for two-way communication between representatives and community members. The government representatives not only listened but committed to addressing the challenges highlighted. 

Throughout this process, collaboration and engagement with rightsholders were at the heart of everything we did. The challenges we encountered, such as ensuring meaningful participation and managing expectations, were met with strategies focused on inclusivity and empowerment. Each milestone we achieved was a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of giving a platform to those whose voices often go unheard.  

One of the most significant successes of the project was the formation of a stakeholder committee by the Buzunkure community representatives. This committee was established following PPDC’s previous engagements and aimed to effectively engage with relevant government authorities to address the community’s concerns. The committee’s efforts resulted in a letter being written to the FCDA in September 2022, outlining the community’s needs and requesting action. Additionally, the committee has proactively reached out to the FCDA’s public complaints office to report the challenges faced by the community due to the lack of a functioning hospital. These actions demonstrate the community’s newfound ability to organize and advocate for their rights. 

A key takeaway from the Voice project is the high level of literacy and engagement among community dwellers and rights holders in the FCT. Unlike in other states where we operate, where literacy rates are lower, the FCT communities demonstrated a strong ability to articulate their concerns, write letters to their representatives, and actively participate in public discussions. This highlights the importance of tailoring our approach to suit the specific needs and capacities of each community. 

Our project recorded significant impacts.  Join us in amplifying the voices of everyday citizens by supporting initiatives like the VOICE project that empower communities to hold leaders accountable and drive meaningful change. Together, we can build a more just and equitable society where every voice matters.